Surviving and Thriving with Hidden Disability – Lived Experience and Strategies for Supporting Individuals

Open to all social work practitioners across Adult and Children's Services within the West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership. Please see our Partner organisations below. 

Session Overview: -         

• Gain an insight into hidden disabilities and what this could mean

• Understand some possible signs someone might be struggling

• Explore some of the barriers to disclosing or seeking support

• Explore some techniques and strategies to help

  
  

A Note From Facilitator Laura Spurling "We talk a lot about equity, diversity and inclusion, and even about accessibility in the workplace or learning environments for individuals for disabilities, but did you know it’s estimated 80% of all individuals with disabilities – somewhere in the region of 11 million people - in the UK have those which are termed ‘hidden’, and very often more than one?  Did you know there’s a lot of crossovers with neurodivergence?  Do you know what the term ‘hidden disability’ means? Do you know what means for the individual? Would you know how to recognise them, or offer support?  Do you perhaps have hidden disability yourself, do any of your loved ones, and you want to learn more or understand, or just feel seen and heard? 

This might be the session for you.  I will talk you through my journey and lived experience of hidden disability, giving you an insight into the challenges, but also the successes, and present some tips, tricks and strategies along the way for supporting individuals with hidden disability.  All questions are welcome, all diversity is welcome, all levels of knowledge is welcome – you might even find it surprising how much difference small changes can make! I can’t wait to meet you!"

Facilitator Bio: Lauren is the Head of Apprenticeship Academic Quality at Anglia Ruskin University, with nearly 12 years’ experience in academia following earlier roles as a research scientist and healthcare worker. She loves data, regulations, spreadsheets and policy writing. Outside work, she’s an enthusiastic crafter, animal lover, and plant collector, living in Suffolk with three cats, two guinea pigs and more than 70 plants. She is a devoted aunt and proudly obsessed with Grey’s Anatomy—despite insisting she’s not as strange as she sounds.

Kindness is central to Lauren’s ethos. She is deeply passionate about inclusion across all protected characteristics and believes every person has something valuable to offer. She’s dedicated to championing others and supporting them to thrive. As co‑lead of the Disabled Staff Network, she has extensive experience helping learners and staff navigate challenges, advocate for themselves and secure meaningful adjustments. In 2025, she co‑led the creation of a placement‑support plan that gained national interest, was showcased at multiple forums, and received an ARU Vice Chancellor Award.

Lauren has lived experience of multiple hidden disabilities and neurodivergence. She regularly speaks at conferences and workshops, sharing honest, authentic insights into the realities of navigating these challenges while demonstrating that success is achievable without resorting to toxic positivity.

Partner Organisations: 

Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City University

City of Stoke-on-Trent Council

City of Wolverhampton council

Coventry City Council

Coventry University

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Keele University

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Staffordshire county council

Staffordshire University

Telford & Wrekin Council

University of Birmingham

University of Warwick

University of Wolverhampton

University of Worcester

Walsall Council

Warwickshire County Council

Worcestershire County Council